Get better with these straightforward foodie goals

If getting healthy is on your agenda this year, you have come to the right place. With a few simple changes to your daily routine you have the power to dramatically transform your health from the inside. Simply call in the new year with these healthy must-dos – They are great for weight loss and helping to increase energy levels, so you will feel so amazing you won’t want to give them up.

Clear out your fridge

Make a vow to remove temptation from your fridge. The notion ”Out of sight, out of mind” is pertinent for avoiding unhealthy treats. “Filling your cupboards with an abundance of good-for-you food means you always have nourishing ingredients to hand. If you fail to plan inside your fridge, you really do plan to fail in your eating habits,” says nutritionist and weight-loss expert Lily Soutter (lilysoutternutrition.com).

Try something different

Resolve to try new recipes at least twice a month And by the end of the year you will have a bunch of new meals to show off your culinary prowess at dinner parties. Need a little inspiration? Fill your cupboards with herbs and spices to add flavour and liven up meals. “Basil is the perfect herb to replace salt, cayenne pepper will give a kick to any dish and cinnamon works well with both sweet and savoury dishes,” says Lily.

Get adventurous

Sticking to well-known food can get you in a rut, so vow to try a new ingredient every week. “Monotonous eating can be a primary driver in staying from a healthy diet,” says Lily. “Trying out unfamiliar foods will ensure you don’t get bored.” Scour the supermarket shelves to check out existing ingredients. “Most of us eat a range of just ten vegetables, however there are so many others. There are thousands of tomato variants alone! Be adventurous and try a new fruit or vegetable each week,” she adds.

Exercise your green fingers

Introducing herbs is a great way to liven up healthy meals So clear a spot on your windowsill and plant some seeds. “Rosemary, thyme and mint are just a few of the herbs that are particularly easy to grow,” says Lily. And let’s not forget the satisfaction factor that comes with growing your own.

Eat until you are three-quarters full

If you are watching your waistline, portion size is key. “Many of us have been taught to finish everything on our plates, however this can be unhelpful when it comes to weight management,” suggests Lily. “It’s vital to be mindful and aware of fullness prompts rather than visual cues. It takes roughly 20 minutes for your body to realize that you have eaten enough, so eating until you are three-quarters full allows your stomach time to signal to your brain.” Make sure you snack on healthy choices throughout the day to avoid inevitable overeating at meal times.

Drink more water

In case you haven’t heard the hype, water is the only elixir you need for 2017. It keeps your cells hydrated, it keeps your skin clear and it helps to beat any bloating by banishing water retention. “Use reusable water bottles to ensure you sip your two to three litres of water throughout the day. Choosing a hundred per cent non-toxic BPA-free plastic water bottle is imperative,” advises Lily. Additionally, there is another beverage – Green tea which can be consumed also throughout the day as its ingredients help to boost your metabolism and is aid for your weight loss.

Limit carbohydrates

Cutting down on your carb intake is a good idea for so many reasons. Complex carbs such as brown rice and wholemeal bread form part of a healthy diet – they support energy and provide your body with hormone-balancing B vitamins. But it’s best to shift your intake to early in the day rather than evening. “It’s thought that carbohydrate metabolism fluctuates around the circadian cycle, so carbs may be burned more efficiently in the morning,” says Lily.

Eat a rainbow

Looking to catapult your health to the next level? “By eating many colours, You can esure you are receiving all the nutrients you need for optimal health. Try to fill at least half of your plate with vegetables – simply pick 2 to 3 different-coloured vegetables at each meal. Smoothies and soups are another easy way to add a variety of colourful fruits and veg to your daily diet,” suggests Lily.

Load up on protein

If you haven’t become BFFs with protein yet, why not? When it comes to losing weight and maximizing your fitness, upping your protein is essential. Lily explains: “Protein is vital for balancing the blood sugar and preventing energy slumps. But spread protein consumption throughout the day: we can only absorb and utilise 30g in the sitting. Try to include a palm size of quality protein – meat, eggs, tempeh or fish – into each meal.”

Eliminate problem foods

Steering clear of the things you suspect you may have a sensitivity to is a must. “Supermarkets stock an abundance of gluten-free options. There is also a wealth of dairy-free milks and yogurts, which taste great. Numerous gluten- and dairy-free cookbooks are now available which are filled with the most delicious recipes; it’s important that you do not feel like you are missing out,” says Lily.